Talks are happening to free an Israeli civilian, Arbel Yehud, who is being held hostage. A senior leader from Palestinian Islamic Jihad told the BBC that her release could happen on Friday.

In return, Israel might release 30 Palestinian prisoners who have been serving long sentences. If this deal works out, it will allow thousands of Palestinians to travel back to northern Gaza by Sunday night or Monday morning.

Right now, Israel hasn’t officially confirmed this deal, and things are tense. Just recently, Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners, but when Arbel Yehud wasn’t freed as expected, Israel accused Hamas of breaking their ceasefire promise. Because of this, the road to northern Gaza is still blocked by Israeli tanks.

Huge crowds of Palestinians who want to return home are stuck at the military checkpoint. Many, like Nirmeen Musabeh, have been sleeping in the streets because they can’t go home. She told the BBC that every time they try to pass, soldiers fire at them. Another person, Diab Shehbari, said he’s been at the checkpoint for over a day. He wants to return to his home in Jabalia to see his sons and bury loved ones. But he expects to find his home destroyed, with no landmarks left.

The BBC also reported chaotic scenes at the checkpoint when people thought they could finally go north, but gunshots were fired, causing panic. Videos show the fear and confusion as families waited to return. Some injuries and even a death have been reported by Palestinian sources, though Israel’s army claims they only fired warning shots.

Mediators from Qatar and Egypt are working hard to ease the situation and let people return to their homes. Even though those homes are likely destroyed, many Gazans remain hopeful.

They dream of rebuilding, reuniting with loved ones, and starting over, despite the devastating conditions they’re likely to find.

Credit : BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qjy4lzqn3o

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